Staci Meyers was one of 20 local designers selected to participate in the 2008 Designers' Showhouse for the Junior League of Detroit. Each was assigned a section of a home in Grosse Pointe Park. Meyer's area was the three-level outdoor deck, which she transformed into an outdoor living and al fresco dining area. The home is open to the public for tours May 3-18, with proceeds from the tours to benefit the Junior League of Detroit.

How do you work as an interior designer within an architectural firm?
I work with the construction department, architectural design and clients to make sure all the architectural components are carried into the interiors as planned. For instance, I coordinate the electrical outlets and HVAC with furniture placement, select custom light fixtures, do all the hard interior selection as far as tile and plumbing, coordinate interior finishes with the cabinetry firm and so on. Basically, I make sure everything the client wants that we spent so much time selecting actually comes to fruition. This can really save a lot of time and money in the end.

What kinds of projects do you work on?
Residential homes mainly, although, we have been venturing into retail and hospitality design. I worked on the Royal Park Hotel and Shenandoah Country Club renovations at my previous firm.

What types of homes do you usually work on?
Usually those in the million-and-a-half to 2-million-dollar price range with a square footage between 4,500 and 15,000. We've done a lot of homes north of Rochester around Dunton Road and Silver Bell, as well as quite a few homes in Novi, Bloomfield Hills, Keygo Harbor and Franklin.

Are you finding that people are watching their budget more in this economy?
Yes, but there is still an expectation of quality and durability and brand recognition, whether it be plumbing or tile or other materials. One thing I am pretty good at is meeting expectations on a quality level, while being creative with the budget. Some features aren't as noticeable; for instance, you can go with true custom-design molding or molding made of a composite material that can be stained or painted. It can still give a level of detail in a ceiling or gallery space, while saving money. Also, the tile in the secondary bathrooms does not have nearly the focus as the kitchen, foyer or powder room. You can take a better-value tile and add an accent stone or medallion to add a layer of interest without breaking the budget for that space.

Why did you enter the Junior League's Designer Showcase?
Dominic is so good about promoting his overall team and encouraged me to look into different opportunities to participate in the community. The outdoor deck of the Shaw House was a great design challenge - especially in Michigan where we all strive to get outside. We made the space more intimate by adding rugs, upholstery and an outdoor kitchen to really extend the interior into the exterior. There were several residences you could see from the yard, so we designed a custom trellis. There was snow on the deck until a few days before the show opened, which was a little nerve-wracking, but that's Michigan for you.